(FORTUNE Small Business) – Instead of a hotel room, book a boat. Maybe it's the high price of real estate on dry land, but the number and quality of lodgings that float--from converted houseboats to luxury sailing yachts--is up. Climb a gangplank and you'll be charmed by duck's-eye views, privacy, and briny air spicing your Continental breakfast.

From Pier 39 in San Francisco, for example, you get a view of the Bay you'd never see from the Golden Gate. This is home to the 53-foot M.V. Athena, a luxury cruiser with three staterooms, two full baths, and a large salon. Moored farther north is the 38-foot 1931 Brass Bell Floating B&B, in the picturesque harbor of Victoria, B.C. The end-of-the-dock location gives you privacy and the best views of city lights. Another old wooden boat, this one on the East Coast, in Maryland, is the September Yacht B&B, a rare 1946 Chris-Craft.

Some boats are available year-round; others batten down the hatches for the winter. Before reserving, decide whether you want a bunk bed or more luxury. Rates range from $140 to $325.

--MARY SEARS

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